Spurs left without a striker as stakes heighten

Spurs left without a striker as stakes heighten

Spurs fans must have experienced that sinking feeling as they watched Jermain Defoe limp out of Tottenham's recent game against West Brom.

With Emmanuel Adebayor still tied up at the Africa Cup of Nations, the former West Ham man's ankle injury left Andre Villas-Boas with no recognised striker to call upon.

Clint Dempsey might have poached a vital goal against Manchester United earlier in the year, but the American is not good enough to lead the line for a club hoping to qualify for the Champions League. Talk of Villas-Boas deploying Gareth Bale in a striking role is overblown, as it would limit the Welshman's influence on the game.

Tottenham could have prevented this headache by strengthening their squad in the January transfer window. Their decision not to is baffling and a clear example of poor management that may come back to bite them in the final analysis.

Nevertheless, optimistic Spurs fans have plenty to distract themselves with, as the club is closing in fast on Chelsea.

With Rafa Benitez's side afflicted by paralysing inconsistency, Tottenham are poised to steal third place from the Champions League holders. Spurs new boy Lewis Holtby will very likely play his part if that happens, as he has looked impressive in the few appearances made so far.

Newcastle, a team with a host of new signings themselves, travel to White Hart Lane this weekend hoping to continue their revival. Judging Pardew's team by their league position now could lead to Tottenham's undoing, as the Magpies are a side transformed, powering to wins thanks to the relentless Moussa Sissoko.

Newcastle will now be hoping to go on a run of positive results so as not to be dragged into the relegation quagmire.

A string of victories from now until the end of the season is exactly what Roberto Mancini also needs but that might not be enough for Manchester City to retain the title.

Mathematically, it's still possible of course, but it's hard to see Manchester repeating their slip-up from last season.

As it stands, Sir Alex Ferguson's squad is obviously the strongest team in the league and City's chances of matching them have come and gone.

Fearsome as they are in attack, United are not without a weak link. Despite backing from his team-mates and manager, David De Gea's ability to do the job expected of him continues to be questioned.

There is little doubt that the Spaniard could become one of the world's best goalkeepers, but until he reaches his full potential, he will always be looked upon as a risk.

A team looking to challenge for every domestic and European honour cannot afford to play someone who does not pull their own weight, so it would not surprise if Ferguson swoops for a more consistent option at the end of the season.

Marouane Fellaini's recent double salvo was a stark warning of what could go wrong for United at Old Trafford this weekend should the former Atletico Madrid keeper not show up tp play.

David Moyes' team sparked United's slide last season and then beat them again on the opening day of the new campaign. The upcoming encounter is another potential banana skin.

Everton's cross-town rivals Liverpool so nearly aided United in their title charge by claiming City's scalp last weekend. Unfortunately for the teams fans, Steven Gerrard's wondrous strike was undone by Pepe Reina's error.

It's hard not to feel for the England Player of the Year, as his time at Anfield will very likely end without a Premier League title.


Catch former Liverpool and England player Steve McMahon on Fox Sports' The Verdict at 7pm

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